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Did Paul Have a Right to Claim Tithes as His Form of Support from Believers?

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The book is very insightful and informative about the history of tithing and giving in the Church. The book is a fascinating journey into the land, language and literature of the Israelite people and their tithing practices. The author meticulously examines tithe verses and brings to light their meaning using the Hebrew and Greek language. Even if one does not agree with his analysis, it would be difficult to dismiss what the author’s findings reveal. If a person seeks to gain a real understanding and education about tithing and its original meaning, this book is a good place to begin your theological research journey. They say knowledge is power and this book certainly contains a lot of knowledge. Get a copy at http://www.fcpublishing.com/about_kle….

There’s a lot of conversation about what Apostle Paul really taught concerning financial support. On any given Sunday, pastors proclaim with certain authority that that tithe is the Lords, but in reality they are pontificating about how to provide personal pastoral support as tithes of ten percent of your income, which he claims belongs to him as a salary and to support the church. This so-called monetary non-bibical tithe of ten percent is about providing money pay for the brick and mortar building. That’s really not New Testamment ministry. You can get signed paperbacks, just order Kleptomaniac: Who’s Really Robbing God Anyway? from Paypalme for $23.87

The question is, why are so many believers and pastors not clear about Pauls’s intentions concerning financial support. Anyone who studies Paul’s life and Hebrew cultural background should know that it was always taught that a Hebrew male teacher should never use the Torah as a means of financial support and should have other means of financial support work. Although Paul had a right of support, he often refused it becuse he wanted to have finaicial integrity so he took the high road and worked as a tent maker for his necessities, which he stated many times in the scriptures. Before we get into this matter of Paul’s financial needs, let’s categorically establish the content of the tithe that God wanted and describe in the the scriptures. Take a look below at the slide and see for yourself what God requires as a tithe. But if you think tithing money is required, read my book bubble titled, Money Tithing is Not a Foregone Conclusion.

If the scripture is indisputable and infallible, why do churhces and pastors persist to teach a mandatory monetary tithe in opposition to the clear teachings of the Bible about tithes being crops, cattle and grain. Below, the slide gives some explanation as to what is going on in the institutional churches around the country. As you read the slide below, think about it. Do you really think that monetary tithing has been a centuries-old acceptable practice. Well, history bears out that the answer is in fact no. Arguments Against Tithing Has a Long History and before you make a decison to dimiss my book or my findings, it would behove to click on the link to find out what my book bubble says on this subject. Make a note in the slide that it states that tithes were used as sin offerings also. However, although bulls and goats could be a tithe, they were for the levites food. The sacrifice and offerings Isael offered to Yahweh continually could be the same animals but some believe in what is called a sin tithe.

To explain the seventh bullet in the slide above about sin-tithe, Author Scott Wallace Brians who wrote a pamplet titled, Rethinking the tithe, and he said this about the original covenant,

For the beginning, to increase the accuracy of terminology and avoid confusion leading to false results, I will present two new terms and their definitions; the “grammatical tithe” and the “sin-tithe”. Sometimes I will use just the word “tithe” for convenience, but in context it should be clear as to which tithe is meant.

First and foremost, we look at the grammatical definition of the word “tithe”. In Hebrew, the word “tithe” is a derivative of the phrase “ten percent”. “Tithe” in and of itself properly translated means “to give or receive ten percent” according to Abingdon’s Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, 1980.

Therefore, when I pay 10 cents for a ware out of the dollar in my pocket, I am correct if I say that “I have tithed”, for I have payed 10%. It is important to remark that this tithe has no religious value, nor does it have any connection whatsoever with the obligation tithe described by Moses.

When studying the tithe, it is very helpful to insert the phrase, “pay 10 percent” or “receive 10 percent”, which is allowable, since this is the proper meaning. In this way, many of the supposed inherent contradictions and sources of error disappear. Giving the word “tithe” a meaning beyond this is incorrect.

I submit the term “sin-tithe” for use in this study to avoid confusion. “Tithing” means “paying or receiving 10 percent”. The tithe defined by Moses is a special type of tithe. Since the tithe according to Moses was embedded in the sin-sacrifice-system (priestly services at the altar), I name it the “sin-tithe”. It is only natural that Moses make use of the word “tithe”, as the obligatory payment is calculated to be “10 percent”. This nomenclature is necessary to differentiate between the general “tithe” and the tithe described by Moses. We can say then, that not all tithes are sin-tithes any more than all cars are Fords.

Another source of error is avoided when we realize that a tithe is not an offering, and an offering is not a tithe. No transfer of wealth could be both simultaneously. Not realizing this has caused much confusion.

An offering is a gift, a thing of the heart between the giver and the reciever, not an obligation. The sin-tithe, as described in the Bible, is a command, indeed an obligation. The choice of the offering and the obligation of the sin-tithe are mutually exclusive.

The verses found in the bible regarding the sin-tithe can be broken up into two classes. One class comprises the law, while the other is the recorded history. It is not only of assistance to read what the Torah tells us about the sin-tithe, but also the recorded happenings. The historical records provide insight about the sin-tithe as it was practiced not found in the law itself, March 2002, Pages 6-8.

It would behove you to read the rest of Scott Wallace Brians sin-tithe information on pages 9-13 in Rethinking the Tithe.

Now, personally, let me make it clear that I don’t care what a particular congregation does to support their pastor or church as longs as scriptures are not used out of context to jusfify a mandatory tithe. Also, using scare tatics from the book of Malachi that God’s people are cursed with a curse if they don’t tithe is not scriptural but manipulative. We know Malachi was not dealing with money but with food tithing. So when people tell you to give until is hurts is liking drinking the cool aide of the late infamous Jim Jones. Giving unitl it hurts is committing financial suicide. In my study of Paul’s life I found it fascinating that tent-making in his day was a lucrative business. So those who aspire to become full-time pastors, there is no scriptutral mandate for you to follow that path in ministry becuase your example from Paul, is that he was a bi-vocational apostle. Wow, what a novel way to do ministry. Be a bi-vocational pastor and reduce the financial strain on God’s people in the congreation, especially for those who struggle financially. In many churches, it’s not unusual to find pastors driving expensive cars and members driving hoopdi’s waiting for their financial spiritual ship to come in, as long as they keep tithing that ten percent. For many of them, the mantra heralded from the pulpit is, this year is your year and every year following, the windows of heaven never open for them. Paul would frown his face at the modern church today for corrupting his words about money and his need for financial support. So when you look at Paul’s language in 2 Corinthians you have to understand that he did not suggest tithing in none of his letters to the assemblies or congregations. Take a look at some of what my research turned up before I wrote Kleptomaniac: Who’s Really Robbing God Anyway?

In my book, Kleptomaniac: Who’s Really Robbing God Anyway, I cover a great deal about Paul and money in chapter 15, titled, A Discussion of Paul’s Work History and Ministry Needs. Here is an excerpt from my book, titled, Paul’s Rights as an Apostle.

First Corinthians Chapter 9 is the standard bearer for those who say tithing 10 percent of your income is required. Many people cite Paul’s written dialogue to the Corinthians as the foundation for tithing. However, does Paul teach tithing in this chapter or something else? How does one conclude that rst century believers practiced tithing based on Paul’s instructions when there is no direct scriptural evidence to prove he taught tithing in the letters? When examining Paul’s language in chapter 9, you have to nd where and when his teaching directly says Christians must tithe and somehow come up with language that God commuted the agrar- ian tithe law to a money-based tithe for Gentile believers. Let me forewarn you: many pastors will tell you that Paul voluntarily decided not to insist for his rights of support and because he did, they are not obligated to follow Paul’s voluntary example. Some pastors have no problem saying they will pursue whatever means necessary to sustain themselves, their family, and the church within scriptural authority. If tithing is a New Covenant Law that requires believers to support ministers of the Gospel, then First Corinthians is the place to discover the tithing doctrine. But Paul does not expound on tithing in First Corinthians. What First Corinthians 9 tells us is more about Paul’s attitude of self-denial than his need for money or support. Let’s follow his logic by examining his thoughts.

The context of chapter 9 is Paul’s response to those Corinthians who felt like his rights for support did not matter and they were not obligated to provide for his needs. Paul wrote the book in response to a letter from the Corinthians who asked a series of questions they wanted him to address along with support. In 1 Corinthians 7:1 he says, Now for the matters you wrote about (NIV marriage); in 1 Corinthians 8:12 he says, Now about food sacriced to idols (NIV); in 1 Corinthians 12:1, he says, Now about spiritual gifts (NIV); in 1 Corinthians 16:1 and 2 he says, Now about the collection for God’s people and Now about our brother Apollos (NIV). As you can see, Paul was addressing issues that were taking place with the Corinthians centuries ago based on culture and context of a speci c time in history.

In 1 Corinthians 9:1 Paul says:
“Am I not free? Am I not an Apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?

Are not you the results of my work in the Lord?” (NIV).

Paul is establishing his relationship to the Corinthians and the spiritual work he invested in their coming into the knowledge of Christ. However, the Corinthians had some misgivings about supporting Paul so he tried to help them understand his authority as an Apostle to them.

In 1 Corinthians 9:2 Paul says:

Even though I may not be an Apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my Apostleship in the Lord (NIV).

is statement by Paul is precise and clear. From the context, I may not be an Apostle to others, indicates that Paul was not an Apostle to every believer. e context implies that Paul spent personal time with the Corinthians, wrote letters and played a role in their spiritual maturity and success. is proves his apostleship was authentic because they were witnesses to it.

In 1 Corinthians 9:3-6 Paul says:

is is my defense to those who sit in judgment of me. Don’t we have the right to food and drink? Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brother Cephas? Or is only I and Barnabus who must work for a living? (NIV).

In this verse Paul has to answer accusations from those in Corinth who thought his and Barnabus’ motive for preaching was to obtain a fulltime salary so they could abandon work at the Corinthian’s expense. Paul was not arguing for a salary and neither was he asking for tithes. Paul addressed his right of support as a traveling missionary and with that responsibility he could choose not to work while traveling and preaching to them. He told the Corinthians that support was due him and a wife, if he brought her along on the trip. He stated that other apostles participated in this right of support and called out the Lord’s brother Cephas as an exam- ple. is perhaps took place because other apostles had visited Corinth prior to Paul and received support. Paul was somewhat a newcomer and people o en questioned his apostleship not only in 1 Corinthians but also in 2 Corinthians Chapter 3. What is not understood about 1 Corinthians Chapter 9 is that Paul’s argument for support can only be applied to traveling missionaries not stationary pastors, senior pastors or elders in a congregation. In the text, Paul instructs elders to work for a living.

It’s important to establish that the context of Paul’s argument addresses his right to food and drink. Now is food and drink literal or general or can it apply to money? Is Paul only asking for his right to food and drink from the Corinthians, or is he using an expression of language to inform them of his right to ask for support based on his need whether it be hospitality, money, food or drink until he returns home? Kleptomaniac: Who’s Really Robbing God Anyway is an ebook from Amazon and in PDF, iPad and Kindle from Book Baby.

Check out new video book trailer for Kleptomaniac Who Really Robbing God Anyway?

When you examine the text of the scripture, there is no way you can say Paul taught tithing and if you do, you have just distorted the scriptures for financial gain.

So even after all that is said and done, many people will still deny the truth of scriptures about tithing and will never study for themselves because the truth requires making a decision that will change the course of your life and depending how you process the changes, it will be something you will never forget. And I can tell you for sure that you childrens children will thanks and sing your praises for saving their financial futures by your discovering the truth for generations to come. But just in case you still have doubt, check out my video Tithing Facts or Fiction.

Books By Author Frank Chase Jr

Books

KLEPTOMANIAC: Who’s Really Robbing God Anyway?

Interested in purchasing a copy of the book KLEPTOMANIAC. This book is a journey into the annuals of biblical history concerning what the Bible teaches about tithing and giving. This book will take you on a proverbial archeological quest to uncover the true meaning of biblical words that deal with money. When confusion exists about what certain words mean in the Bible, such as tithe, tithing, tenth or ten percent, this book will examine the Hebrew and Greek language to bring to life what these words actually mean in context. This book will upend the common beliefs held by believers concerning giving and tithing based on the history of the original people of the Bible and how they related to money. From the very beginning to the end of the book, everything is supported by Scripture and research. You will know from the onset why the author, Dr. Frank Chase Jr., wrote the book and learn about his personal story of what happened as a result of embracing New Covenant giving principles from the New Testament. No book asks questions like this book. And some of those questions are: does the Bible talk about tithing? Did God change the tithe at some point in biblical history? Are first fruits money? Is the tithe food or money? Is the church the storehouse? Did Jesus, Paul and the Disciples tithe? Did the early church honor a money tithe system? Are Christians really cursed for not tithing ten percent of their income? These questions will be answered based on scholarship, the land, the language and the literature of the original Biblical people. Not only does the book cover the Old Testament tithe, but it will travel through time to unveil what the New Testament teaches about giving and tithing by analyzing some of the epistles of Apostle Paul concerning his views and the instructions he gave on charitable giving. This book defines biblical terms using the Hebrew and Greek text to bring clarity and understanding of the scripture in context. KLEPTOMANIAC defines the actual orthodox biblical tithe.

Get get a signed copy from the author's website at http://www.fcpublishing.com/about_kleptomaniac. Price includes tax, shipping and handling.
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